Deadline Extended to Nov. 20 for Dairy Margin Protection Program Enrollment

From the USDA:

The deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20.  

Vilsack

The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

“The fall harvest is a busy time of the year for agriculture, so this extension will ensure that dairy producers have more time to make their choices,” said Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack. “We encourage all operations to examine the protections offered by this program, because despite the very best forecasts, markets can change."

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Agency Service (FSA) online Web resource at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation. The secure website can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet.

He also reminds producers that were enrolled in 2015 that they need to make a coverage election for 2016 and pay the $100 administration fee. 

Although any unpaid premium balances for 2015 must be paid in full by the enrollment deadline to remain eligible for higher coverage levels in 2016, premiums for 2016 are not due until Sept. 1, 2016. 

Also, producers can work with milk marketing companies to remit premiums on their behalf.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, contact your local FSA county office.  

To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov

Dairy Margin Protection Program Enrollment Deadline Sept. 30

From the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets:

Enrollment for the 2016 Dairy Margin Protection Program is currently underway.  

Dairy farmers can now sign up for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Margin Protection Program at their local USDA Farm Services Agency office.  

The program provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin, or the difference between the national all-milk price and national average feed cost, falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer. 

“As a farmer, I know that the agriculture industry is faced with the challenge of unpredictable conditions—from the weather to market cycles," said Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. "Enrollment for the Margin Protection Program is now open and I encourage our dairy farmers to explore this opportunity to invest in a risk management tool that could help ease some of the economic hardship when margins fluctuate.”

Dairy operations, large and small, that produce milk commercially are eligible to participate in the program for a premium. 

Participating dairy producers have the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation and have the option of adjusting that level during the open enrollment period each year. Currently, 48 percent of New York’s dairy producers are enrolled in the 2015 program.

Enrollment for the 2016 program began July 1 and ends Sept. 30. For more information, visit the USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s website at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy. To find a local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.  

In addition, the USDA has an online resource available to help dairy producers decide which level of coverage will provide them with the strongest protections under a variety of conditions. 

The tool, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. Producers can also review historical data or estimate future coverage based on data projections.